Eight players are set to make their Grand Slam main-draw debuts at the 2026 Australian Open, including three direct entrants (one with a special ranking) and five qualifiers. Notably, this includes the first two Thai players to participate in six years. Here’s a closer look at these newcomers:
Nikola Bartunkova (CZE)
At just 19, Nikola Bartunkova stands out as the youngest qualifier for this year’s Australian Open. Her distinctive playing style has garnered attention, particularly after her impressive run to the WTA semifinal in Guadalajara last September, where she defeated the defending champion, Magdalena Frech. Her unpredictable game, featuring net-rushing and drop shots, has drawn parallels to Ons Jabeur.
“My tennis is unpredictable,” Bartunkova explained to iSport.cz, referencing a mood-lifting outing to a Shakira concert organized by Jelena Ostapenko. After a tumultuous period, including a positive doping test shortly after her 18th birthday, Bartunkova has bounced back to reach a career-high ranking of No. 126, showcasing her resilience and determination.
Linda Klimovicova (POL)
Linda Klimovicova, a 21-year-old from Poland, made waves during the 2025 Grand Slam qualifying rounds. Despite tough losses, she finally broke into the main draw at the Australian Open after breezing through qualifiers without dropping a set, defeating Stefani Webb, Lizette Cabrera, and Greet Minnen effortlessly.
Once a top junior ranked No. 11, Klimovicova switched her allegiance to Poland in 2024, resulting in a notable ranking rise. She recorded a 51-19 win-loss record last year, claiming her biggest title at the Vitoria-Gasteiz ITF W75 and making her Billie Jean King Cup debut with support from fellow player Iga Swiatek.
Petra Marcinko (CRO)
The youngest former Australian Open junior champion, Petra Marcinko, claimed the title in 2022. The Croatian, who surged from No. 905 to No. 194 in the WTA Rankings that year, faced a string of injuries but found her footing again in 2025. Her impressive second half of the year saw her achieve a remarkable 40-8 record, including her first WTA 125 title.
Now ranked No. 77, Marcinko’s comeback culminated with her entry into the Australian Open, where she will face 38-year-old Tatjana Maria in the first round.
Guiomar Maristany Zuleta De Reales (ESP)
Guiomar Maristany Zuleta De Reales, a 26-year-old Spaniard, fought through adversity to secure her place in the main draw. Down four match points in her second qualifying round, she persevered to win, later participating in the longest qualifying match. Her ranking has significantly improved over the past year, reaching a high point of No. 168 this past November.
Now ranked No. 184, Maristany Zuleta De Reales will begin her campaign against Polina Kudermetova in the first round.
Oleksandra Oliynykova (UKR)
Oleksandra Oliynykova’s journey is a testament to her resilience. A political refugee from Ukraine, she faced countless challenges while chasing her tennis dreams. After an impressive performance in 2025, including winning three WTA 125 titles, she climbed from No. 305 to a career-high No. 90, securing her direct entry into the Australian Open.
Now playing under the Ukrainian flag, Oliynykova takes on defending champion Madison Keys in what promises to be a challenging first-round matchup.
Himeno Sakatsume (JPN)
After overcoming a string of disappointments, Himeno Sakatsume finally realized her dream of entering the Australian Open main draw with a hard-fought playoff win. Last year saw her achieve significant milestones, including a top 100 victory and her first WTA title.
Sakatsume, who is on a roll, faces Caty McNally in her debut match, hoping to carry her recent momentum into the tournament.
Mananchaya Sawangkaew (THA) and Lanlana Tararudee (THA)
Both Mananchaya Sawangkaew and Lanlana Tararudee are set to break the Thai tennis drought in the WTA Tour. After an impressive year, Sawangkaew continues to climb the ranks despite a back injury that sidelined her for months. Tararudee showed remarkable growth, reaching several finals and successfully making it through the Australian Open qualifiers.
The two will mark a historic moment for Thai tennis, becoming the fourth and fifth Thai women to compete in a Grand Slam main draw during the Open Era.
